Peppers is considered as one of the greatest defensive players of all-time.[1] He has been named to the Pro Bowl nine times, and both the first and second All-Pro teams three times each. In his rookie season, he was named NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year in 2002, where he recorded 12 sacks, five forced fumbles, and an interception, all while playing in only 12 games. In 2004, he was named NFC Defensive Player of the Year by the Kansas City Committee. For his performance during the decade, he was named to the NFL 2000s All-Decade Team.

Peppers was born in Wilson, North Carolina, and raised in nearby Bailey. He first attended Hunt High School for his freshman and sophomore years. Later, he attended Fike High School and then transferred to Southern Nash High School. By the time he was a senior at Bailey's Southern Nash Senior High School, Peppers had grown to 6 ft 5 in (1.96 m), 225 lb (102 kg). Ray Davis, the football coach at Southern Nash, felt that Peppers would be an asset on the gridiron for the Firebirds, despite the fact that Peppers had never played football before. Davis's gamble would pay off. During his high school career, Peppers played running back and defensive lineman, finished his career with 3,501 rushing yards and 46 touchdowns, and was one of the most dangerous defensive linemen in the state.[2] He also lettered in basketball and was voted all-conference as a power forward for four consecutive years. In 1998, Southern Nash won the state championship in track for the first time in the school's history. Peppers contributed as a sprinter, winning the state championship in the 4×400 meter team relay (3:23.10 minutes) and finishing second as a triple jumper (14.05 meters). He was also rumored to have cleared 2.03 meters in the high jump.[3] During his senior year (1997–98), he was named to the Parade magazine high school All-America team in football as an all-purpose talent and was also named Male Athlete of the Year by the North Carolina High School Athletic Association. In 2005, Peppers was named by the Rocky Mount Telegram newspaper as one of the 50 Greatest Athletes from the Twin County (Nash and Edgecombe) area.

Peppers attended the University of North Carolina , where he played defensive end for the North Carolina Tar Heels football team from 1998 to 2001. As a true freshman in 1998, he was redshirted. Peppers led the nation with 15 quarterback sacks during his sophomore season (2000), and earned first-team All-Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) and second-team All-American honors. Following his junior season in 2001, he was a first-team All-ACC selection and was recognized as a unanimous first-team All-American.[4] He also won the Chuck Bednarik Award as the nation's top defensive player and the Lombardi Award as the best collegiate lineman and the Bill Willis Trophy as the nation's best defensive lineman. In the three seasons at North Carolina, Peppers started 33 of the 34 games in which he played. He is currently ranked second all-time in UNC history with 30.5 sacks. He accumulated 53 stops behind the line of scrimmage, 167 tackles, 5 interceptions, 2 fumble recoveries, 5 forced fumbles, 13 passes deflected, and 42 quarterback pressures (hurries) and returned 2 interceptions and 1 fumble recovery for touchdowns.

While at the University of North Carolina, Peppers was also a walk-on member of the men's basketball team. The North Carolina football coach, Carl Torbush, said he could play football and then be a walk-on for Bill Guthridge on the North Carolina men's basketball team. He was a reserve on the 1999-2000 Tar Heels team that made it to the Final Four. Peppers was also a reserve on the 2000-2001 men's basketball team. In the NCAA Tournament, Peppers scored 21 points and grabbed 10 rebounds in a loss to Penn State in the second round. After the season, Peppers decided to focus solely on football and did not play basketball in his final season.

Peppers was a highly regarded prospect coming into the 2002 NFL draft earning comparisons to Hall of Famer Lawrence Taylor for his ability to dominate a football game.[5] Peppers would end up being selected number 2 overall in the 2002 NFL Draft by the Carolina Panthers behind number 1 overall pick, quarterback David Carr.

On September 8, 2002 against the Baltimore Ravens, Peppers played in his first career NFL game, in which he made an impact by deflecting a pass by Ravens quarterback Chris Redman that was intercepted by linebacker Dan Morgan, who proceeded to race 22 yards down field with under two minutes remaining in the game to preserve the victory; the Panthers won the game by a score of 10-7.[7]

In Peppers’ second career NFL game, which came on September 15, 2002 against the Detroit Lions, Julius Peppers lived up to his billing with three sacks and a forced fumble for Carolina. Peppers also had five tackles including one for a loss, and a deflected pass.

Peppers, the second overall pick in the draft, got his first NFL sack early in the first quarter. He got another a few minutes later, and registered his third on the final play of the first half when he drilled Lions Quarterback Mike McMahon from behind, knocking the ball loose and leaving McMahon motionless on the ground for several moments.

It reassured Carolina fans that the Panthers made the right choice in picking Peppers with the second pick overall, who was taken right before the Lions selected Quarterback Joey Harrington.

"They can't go wrong in choosing me, Peppers said. "Everyone in this locker room and organization feels the same way.

McMahon recovered from Peppers' pounding to start the second half, leading Detroit on its only scoring drive, then falling apart when Minter intercepted him on the second series and returned it 40-yards for a touchdown and a 24-7 lead.

Peppers wanted to prove he was worthy of being such a high selection by disproving those who doubted his ability to consistently disrupt opposing offenses.

The game ended up being a 31-7 rout of the Detroit Lions - Peppers seemed to be everywhere all at once. In a thoroughly dominant first half, Peppers racked up three sacks and forced a fumble.

Peppers was so dominant, in fact, that Panthers defensive tackle Kris Jenkins said he actually started feeling a little sorry for the Detroit linemen assigned to block the 6-foot-6, 283-pound phenom.

"They had to keep adjusting, because he kept beating the snot out of whoever was trying to block him," Jenkins said.

For Panthers veteran tight end Wesley Walls, watching Peppers play brought back memories of the franchise's earlier days.

"I haven't seen guys flying around like that and making plays and being explosive like that on defense since '96," said Walls, referring to Carolina's run to the NFC Championship. "Lamar Lathon and Kevin Greene were coming off the edge in '96, and today you had Julius Peppers and Brenston Buckner and Mike Rucker and all those guys.

"It was fun to watch, and it just demoralizes the opposing offenses. They were getting frustrated. They couldn't do anything."

Panthers coach John Fox said "I have been pretty blessed to be around some good players as an assistant coach, but Julius would have to rival some of the best I have seen."[8]

Later that season in a 14-13 loss against the Dallas Cowboys in Week 6, Julius Peppers produced a monstrous performance with 3 tackles, 3 sacks, 1 forced fumble, 1 pass defensed, and an interception of Cowboys Quarterback Quincy Carter that he returned 21 yards, before lateralling the ball to Linbacker Mark Fields, who gained an additional 30 yards. Peppers second three-sack outing of the year tied the NFL rookie record for three-sack games in a season set by Leslie O'Neal of the San Diego Chargers in 1986.

Peppers also during his rookie season helped the Panthers boast the only defensive unit since the NFL merger in 1970 to improve from last in the league in total defense to second in one season. Peppers would finish his rookie season with 28 solo tackles, 7 assisted tackles, 12 sacks, 5 forced fumbles, 1 interception, 5 passes defensed, and 3 stuffs.[9] For his efforts Peppers would earn the NFL Rookie of the Month Award in October 2002 and the 2002 Associated Press NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year Award.[10] With four games remaining in the season, Peppers was suspended for violating the NFL's substance abuse policy for taking a banned dietary supplement. Peppers would go on to say that he was given a dietary supplement by a friend to help him fight off fatigue. The pills contained an ephedra substance that was banned by the NFL. Peppers said it was an honest mistake on his part and that he would be more cautious in the future.[11]

In Peppers second season, he was part of a defensive line that also included Brentson Buckner, Kris Jenkins, and Mike Rucker. Together, the unit would be a key cog that would help the Panthers reach the Super Bowl. As great as the defensive line was, Peppers was the clear attention getter on the defensive line by opposing teams offenses, and would take on double teams to help free up his fellow defensive lineman.[12] Peppers would finish the season with 37 solo tackles, 7 assisted tackles, 7 sacks, 3 forced fumbles, 3 passes defensed, 4 stuffs, and 1 blocked kick.

In the wild card round playoff game against the Dallas Cowboys, Peppers would make a couple of extraordinary highlight reel plays. In the first quarter, Peppers would chase down Cowboys Receiver Joey Galloway who was one of the fastest players in NFL history, and run him out of bounds after a 28 yard gain. The play showcased Peppers freakish athletic ability for a man 6' 7" 285 lbs. And then later in the fourth quarter as the Cowboys were trying to mount a comeback, Peppers would intercept Dallas Quarterback Quincy Carter and return it 34 yards to the Cowboys 11 yard line. Peppers then sprinted through the end zone, and leaped into the stands and into the arms of the white-towel waving Carolina Panthers fans. Peppers recorded 1 tackle, 1 interception, and 1 pass defensed in the game. The Panthers won the game 29-10. In the divisional round against the St. Louis Rams, Peppers would again have a dominant performance by recording a sack, 2 passes defensed, and 4 tackles, one of which came on a shuffle pass in the second quarter to Running Back Marshall Faulk when Peppers diagnosed the play and crushed him after a 1 yard gain. The game would go into double overtime, and on the first play of 2OT Panthers QB Jake Delhomme hit Receiver Steve Smith for a 69 yard touchdown pass on a play called X-Clown, Peppers along with the rest of his teammates would greet Smith in the end zone and celebrate their 29-23 victory over the Rams. The next week in the NFC Championship game against the Philadelphia Eagles, Peppers would record 2 tackles in helping to lead a dominant defensive performance for the Panthers as they held the Eagles to just 3 points. Panthers would win by a score of 14-3.

The Panthers reached the Super Bowl for the first time in franchise history and matched up against the New England Patriots, the game would be an instant classic as both teams went back and forth throughout the game. Peppers would record 2 tackles and pressure New England QB Tom Brady all throughout the game. On the first defensive snap of the game for the Panthers, Peppers stormed into the Patriots backfield with a speed rush from his left Defensive End spot pressuring and hitting Tom Brady right as Brady released the ball for a completion to WR Deion Branch. Two plays later on the Pats opening drive Peppers was cut blocked by Patriots Offensive Tackle Tom Ashworth, but Peppers recovered quickly and nearly deflected the pass as it whizzed by. On the very next play Peppers again ripped into the Patriots backfield along with blitzing Panthers linebacker Dan Morgan hurrying Tom Brady into a rushed throw for an incompletion, and then again on the following play Peppers man handled Tom Ashworth with a hump move made famous by former great Defensive End Reggie White, as Peppers tossed Ashworth to the side like a rag doll, leaped into the air with both arms up and hit Tom Brady altering his hurried throw for an incompletion.The Patriots missed a field goal on their opening drive. On the next Patriots possession Peppers helped force a three and out by pushing Pats Running Back Kevin Faulk to the ground, who was assigned to block him on the third down play, and then leaped into the air to alter Brady's pass as it was completed short of the first down marker. On a play towards the end of the first half with 32 seconds remaining on the clock, Peppers exploded off the line of scrimmage exhibiting great speed and power, rushing against a double team, and drove both the tackle and guard back towards Brady narrowly missing out on a sack, as Brady just did side step him. On the Panthers first defensive snap of the second half, Peppers shrugged aside the New England Tight End Christian Fauria to tackle Running Back Antowain Smith after a gain of just one yard. On the Patriots second possession of the second half, on third down and 5, Peppers bull rushed Ashworth right at Brady and nicked Brady on the helmet with his left hand just after Brady released the ball, the pass was completed for a first down. After the play sports commentator Phil Simms commented that Peppers was "a star waiting to happen." On the same drive, second down and 6, on a running play by the Patriots Peppers tossed Ashworth to the ground as he was in good position defending against the run, the tackle was made by the Panthers defense for a short gain. In a play early in the fourth quarter, Peppers dropped into coverage and made a tackle on Receiver Troy Brown. On a third and goal play in the fourth quarter with 7:48 remaining on the clock, Patriots leading 21-16, Peppers bull rushed Ashworth and pushed him to the ground, as Peppers was closing in on Brady fellow Defensive End Al Wallace got to Brady sooner and forced Brady into a hurried throw that was intercepted by Cornerback Reggie Howard. On the first play of the next Patriots possession, Peppers dominated Ashworth yet again, bull rushing him back into Tom Brady nearly getting a sack on the play, as he and fellow Panthers Defensive End Mike Rucker hurried Brady into a quick throw which he completed for a 2 yard gain. On the Patriots final drive of the game, near the end of the fourth quarter, on the Pats first snap, Peppers used an outside speed rush to get around Ashworth and hit Tom Brady nearly getting a sack, knocking him to the ground just as he released the hurried throw for an incompletion. Peppers was double team blocked for the remainder of the Patriots final possession. Peppers was a disruptive force all throughout Super Bowl XXXVIII.

Sports commentator Phil Simms made a couple comments during the game that implied Peppers wasn't playing the run well on some downs, but that wasn't the case. Peppers was lined up wide on many occasions and was defending against the outside run, while the Panthers linebackers were responsible for gap containment back towards the inside of the field, but they over pursued leaving an opening for the Pats running back to get through.

With 1:08 remaining in the game, and the score tied 29-29, the Patriots were given a short field when Panthers kicker John Kasay kicked the ball out of bounds on the kickoff, giving the Patriots the ball at their own 40 yard line with just over a minute left and three timeouts to use. Brady got the Patriots down the field into field goal range, and Pats kicker Adam Vinatieri kicked a 41 yard field goal through the uprights with 4 seconds remaining for the victory. It was a crushing defeat for Peppers and the Panthers but they fought hard until the final whistle. Final score Patriots 32 Panthers 29.

Peppers and Donovan McNabb were the only people to ever play in both the NCAA men's basketball Final Four and the NFL's Super Bowl.[13]

Peppers would have arguably his best season to date, In Charlotte, N.C., they still talk about the back-to-back plays Julius Peppers made in a game against the Denver Broncos on October 10, 2004.

On third-and-3, he was fooled on the play at first but recovered in time to push Broncos quarterback Jake Plummer out of bounds on a bootleg after a 2-yard gain. Then on fourth-and-1, he intercepted Plummer's pass and ran it back 97 yards which was an NFL record for a defensive lineman. The back to back game changing plays were an amazing showcase of athletic ability, and showed just how special a player and athlete Peppers was.[14] Peppers would record 4 tackles, 1 interception, and 1 pass defensed in a losing effort to the Broncos by a score of 17-20. In a game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 12, Peppers produced one of the NFL's most dominant performances of the season by blocking a 26-yard field goal attempt, recording a 46-yard interception return for a touchdown, which was Peppers first career touchdown scored and was the first interception returned for a touchdown by a defensive lineman in Carolina Panthers history. Also recorded 1 pass defensed, 1 sack and 4 tackles including one stop in which he chased down Bucs running back Michael Pittman from behind on a 68-yard screen pass in the second quarter. The Panthers would defeat the Bucs 21-14.

Peppers would also make a memorable play in Week 15 against the Atlanta Falcons, which was a Saturday night game held on December 18, 2004, Peppers would grab a fumble in midair by Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Vick and race 60 yards the other way for a Panthers touchdown.[15] Peppers also harassed and chased Michael Vick all over the field during the game as he recorded 3 tackles one being for a loss of yards, 1 pass defensed and the 60 yard fumble recovery for a touchdown. Peppers would also line up as a wide receiver in the red zone towards the end of the second quarter, and catch a pass just outside the end zone, that if thrown more accurately by Panthers QB Jake Delhomme would have resulted in a touchdown catch for Peppers. It was a hard fought game with the Falcons but the Panthers would lose in the end by a score of 34-31.

Peppers would also set an NFL record by recording 143 total interception return yards which is the most ever recorded in a single season by a defensive lineman. He also had a combined 203 interception and fumble return yards which is the most ever by a defensive lineman in a single season since the NFL merger in 1970.[16]

For his accomplishments Peppers was named to his first NFL Pro Bowl while also earning a spot on the NFL’s All Pro First-Team. Peppers would also be named the NFC Defensive Player of the Month in November, 2004 and finished fourth overall in the voting by the Associated Press for the AP NFL Defensive Player of the Year Award.[17] He would also be named the NFC Defensive player of the Year by the Kansas City Committee, as well as the NFL Alumni Defensive Lineman of the Year.

Peppers broke a bone in his right hand in the sixth game of the season against the Lions, but would return to the game with a cast and help the Panthers get a win 21-20. He would play the next few games with a cast on his hand. Peppers would record two impressive 3 sack games during the season, one against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 9, in which addition to his 3 sacks, Peppers also recorded 5 tackles and 1 stuff, and controlled the line of scrimmage throughout the game despite playing with a broken right hand. Peppers was an extremely disruptive force for the Panthers and repeatedly terrorized and bullied the Bucs offensive lineman as if he were Deebo from the movie Firday.

During one Tampa Bay drive in the second quarter, Peppers induced Bucs guard Kenyatta Walker into moving before the snap three times in a four-play span. Walker knew that if he did not move quickly, he could not block Peppers. The Panthers defeated the Bucs by a score of 34-14.

His other 3 sack effort came against the Dallas Cowboys in Week 16, in this game Peppers also recorded 8 tackles, 1 pass defensed, and 1 blocked kick.[18] Peppers was an absolute menace and was all over the field for the Panthers defense, but despite Peppers efforts, the Panthers would lose the game 20-24.

In the wild card round of the playoffs, Peppers was part of defensive effort that held scoreless the New York Giants offense that ranked third in the NFL in points per game. The Giants managed just 132 yards total offense. Panthers became the first team to register a shutout on the road in the playoffs since 1980 when the Los Angeles Rams posted a 9-0 victory at Tampa Bay (1/5/80) in the 1979 NFC Championship. Carolina shutout was third in team history. Panthers coach John Fox had Carolina prepared for everything New York attempted, rattling Eli Manning into four turnovers and sacking him 4 times, pressuring him throughout the game enroute to a 23-0 victory. Peppers contributed 2 tackles, 1 sack, and 1 pass defensed.

In the divisional round against the Chicago Bears, Peppers hurt his shoulder while driving Bears running back Thomas Jones out of bounds near the goal line in the fourth quarter. Peppers went to the locker room after the play, then returned to the bench but not the game. Peppers recorded 3 tackles and helped the Panthers get the win 29-21.

In the NFC Championship Game, against the Seattle Seahawks Peppers would play well with a hurt shoulder and record 6 tackles 1 being for a loss of yards, but the Panthers would lose the game 34-14, and miss out on a chance to play in the Super Bowl.[19]

Peppers would again record two dominating three-sack games during the season, his first against the Minnesota Vikings in Week 2, in which he recorded 8 tackles, 3 sacks, 1 stuff, 1 pass defensed, and 1 blocked kick.[20] Peppers was so dominant against the Vikings he looked like the second coming of Reggie White. Peppers looked unblockable, but despite Peppers great performance the Panthers fell to the Vikings 13-16.

In week 3 against the Cleveland Browns, Peppers, who was playing with a sore ankle, would be a nightmare all game long for QB Charlie Frye and the Browns offensive line. Throughout the game Peppers would record 5 tackles one being for a loss of yards, a sack, forced fumble, fumble recovery on the same play, 5 other QB hits and a pass defensed in which Peppers made an extremely athletic play. Browns fullback Lawrence Vickers took a handoff right but pulled up to pass the ball, Peppers, playing left end, read the play before it began to develop, sprinted downfield and tipped the ball away from tight end Kellen Winslow II. Peppers dominant play helped the Panthers defeat the Browns 20-12.

In week 6 against the Baltimore Ravens, Peppers became the Panthers' all-time sacks leader after registering 2 sacks during the game.[21] Peppers also had 8 tackles and a forced fumble in yet another game that Peppers looked like the most dominant defensive player in the NFL. Peppers was double teamed and chipped by running backs throughout the game, and appeared to be held several times albeit without any being called, to try and slow him down. It didn't work as Peppers wrecked the Ravens offense by pressuring the QB, and once causing a rushed throw that resulted in an interception. Peppers was also flying around the field with speed and agility unheard of for a man his size, coming from the opposite side of the field on multiple occasions to tackle Ravens Running Back Jamal Lewis, and other Ravens ball carriers. Peppers disruptive play helped the Panthers defeat the Ravens 23-21.[22]

In Week 10 against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Peppers recorded 4 tackles, 3 sacks, 1 pass defensed, and one fumble recovery in helping to defeat the Buccaneers 24-10. [23] Peppers was so dominant in the game that ESPN Monday Night Football analyst Joe Theismann compared him to Lawrence Taylor, whom Joe had played against while he was a Quarterback for the Washington Redskins, and Taylor a Linebacker for the New York Giants.[24] Taylor ended Theismann's career when he broke his right leg during a Monday Night Football game in 1985.

Peppers earned the NFC Defensive Player of the Month Award for the month of October, 2006, his second such award. Peppers finished the season with 49 solo tackles, 9 assisted tackles, 13 sacks, 3 forced fumbles, 2 fumble recoveries, 6 passes defensed, 7 stuffs, and 2 blocked kicks. For his efforts, Peppers earned a trip to his third consecutive Pro Bowl and was also named NFL First-Team All Pro for the second time in his career.

Following Panthers safety Mike Minter's retirement after the 2006 season, Peppers was named as the Panthers defensive captain. Peppers had a down season in 2007 after only recording 30 solo tackles, 8 assisted tackles, 2.5 sacks, 3 forced fumbles, 2 fumble recoveries, 1 interception, 5 passes defensed, 1 stuff, and 2 blocked kicks. Before the season started, Peppers suffered from an undisclosed illness and lost weight which is assumed[by whom?] to have played a part in his down season. Peppers also missed the final two games of the season with a sprained MCL in his right knee.

The 2008 season was a bounce back year for Peppers who reverted to his usual dominant self after recording a career-high 14.5 sacks. Peppers would change from left defensive end to right defensive end before the season, which was the position he played in college at the University of North Carolina.[25] Julius’ best performance of the season came against the Oakland Raiders in Week 10, a game in which he recorded 7 tackles, 3 sacks, 2 forced fumbles, and 1 pass defensed,[26] Peppers moved all along the defensive line and dominated against the Raiders, leading the Panthers to a 17-6 victory. He would earn his second NFC Defensive Player of the Week Award after his performance.

Peppers finished the season with 40 solo tackles, 11 assisted tackles, 14.5 sacks, 5 forced fumbles, 5 passes defensed, 4 stuffs, and 1 blocked kick. After the season, Peppers earned a spot on the NFC Pro Bowl team, which was the fourth of his career. He also earned Second-Team All Pro honors. The Panthers made the playoffs after the 2008 NFL regular season but lost in the divisional round to the Arizona Cardinals by a score of 33-13. On January 16, 2009, ESPN reported that Peppers told ESPN's Chris Mortensen he did not intend to re-sign a long-term deal with the Panthers and would like to explore options with another team, specifically one with a 3-4 defensive formation. He also expressed the desire or willingness to convert from a defensive end to an outside linebacker. Peppers said he would request a trade if franchise tagged. However, despite his request, the Panthers would place the Franchise tag on him on February 19.[27]

The 2009 season would be the last for Peppers as a member of the Panthers in his first stint with the team. Peppers began the season well by recording 5 tackles, 1 sack, 1 forced fumble, 1 pass defensed, and 1 blocked kick in a Week 1, 38-10 loss against the Philadelphia Eagles. But Peppers went without a sack during the next two games against the Atlanta Falcons and Dallas Cowboys, both losses as the Panthers started the season 0-3, causing Panthers linebacker Jon Beason to question Peppers' intensity on a radio show in Charlotte, North Carolina. Beason would later admit that he was wrong about saying this about Peppers and said he thought that Julius would go down as one of the best players to ever play in the NFL.[28]

Peppers bounced back in Week 5 of the 2009 season against the Washington Redskins by recording 5 tackles, 2 sacks, and along with the help of Panthers linebacker Thomas Davis, tackled Redskins Running Back Clinton Portis in the end zone for a safety. Peppers helped the Panthers to their first win of the season defeating Washington 20-17. In Week 8, in a 34-21 win against the Arizona Cardinals, Peppers recorded 2 tackles, 1 sack, 1 forced fumble, 1 interception for a 13-yard touchdown, and 1 pass defensed earning him his third NFC Defensive Player of the Week Award. In Week 9, in a 30-20 loss against the New Orleans Saints, Peppers broke his right hand, but continued to play with a cast on his hand over the next few games.[29] In Week 15 against the Minnesota Vikings, Julius Peppers played one of his best games of his career, although only recording 1 tackle, 1 sack, and 1 pass defensed, Peppers also had 5 quarterback hurries and was all over the field, causing sports writer Peter King to say that Peppers looked like Lawrence Taylor and Deacon Jones rolled into one dominant force.

Peppers played so well he caused Vikings Pro Bowl left tackle Bryant McKinnie to be benched by Vikings head coach Brad Childress. Peppers' effectiveness not only prompted Childress to switch tackles, but to also consider making a quarterback change, which Vikings quarterback Brett Favre strongly resisted. Childress said he wanted to protect Favre, who he said was getting his rear end kicked and was taking a beating.[30] In Week 17, which came on January 3, 2010, in a 23-10 win against the New Orleans Saints played at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, North Carolina, Julius Peppers played in his final game as a member of the Carolina Panthers during his first stint with the team. Peppers recorded 3 tackles, 1 interception, and 1 pass defensed. The interception Peppers recorded was, at the time, thought to be the final play of his Panthers career,[31] but Peppers would eventually return to his home state team before the 2017 NFL season. Julius finished the season with 36 solo tackles, 6 assisted tackles, 10.5 sacks, 5 forced fumbles, 1 fumble recovery, 2 interceptions, 5 passes defensed, 3 stuffs, 1 blocked kick, and 1 defensive touchdown.

Peppers was voted to his fifth Pro Bowl and also earned Second-Team All Pro honors. On February 22, 2010, Adam Schefter reported that the Panthers would not place the franchise tag on Peppers, leaving him an unrestricted free agent, free to pursue a contract with another team.[32]

[33] On March 5, 2010, the Chicago Bears signed Peppers [34] to a six-year contract worth $91.5 million, with $42 million guaranteed in the first three years.[35] Peppers made an immediate impact in Week 1 vs. the Detroit Lions by sacking quarterback Matthew Stafford and forcing a fumble with 29 seconds to go in the first half. The hit Peppers put on Stafford knocked him out for the remainder of the game.

In week 3 against the Packers on Monday Night Football, Julius Peppers recorded just two tackles, but was a thorn in the side of the Packers offensive line and Quarterback Aaron Rodgers all game long, forcing multiple false start and holding penalities, and hurrying Rodgers in the pocket all game long. Peppers also blocked a field goal that ultimately would prove to be the difference in the game as the Bears went on to defeat the Packers by 3 points by a score of 20-17.

In Week 5, Peppers went back to his home state to play against his former team, the Carolina Panthers,[36] a game in which he and the Bears won by a score of 23-6. His biggest play of the game was when he tipped a Jimmy Clausen pass and proceeded to intercept it, by diving underneath the ball, after the play, Peppers proceeded to hush the booing crowd by raising his index finger to his lips.[37] Peppers finished the game with 4 tackles, 1 interception, and 1 pass defensed.

In Week 11 against the Miami Dolphins, Peppers recorded his first three-sack performance as a member of the Chicago Bears, he finished the game with 6 tackles, 3 sacks, and 1 pass deflection that was intercepted. He earned the fourth NFC Defensive Player of the Week Award of his career for his efforts. Peppers would also win the NFC Defensive Player of the Month Award for November, 2010 making it the third time in his career he earned the award.

Peppers finished the season with 43 solo tackles, 11 assisted tackles, 8 sacks, 3 forced fumbles, 2 interceptions, 9 passes defensed, 5 stuffs, and 1 blocked kick. His impact was most felt with regards to putting pressure on opposing quarterbacks, redirecting running plays, or assisting on the tackle. Julius was voted to his sixth Pro Bowl and was named to his third, First-Team All Pro team. Peppers also finished fourth in voting for the NFL's 2010 AP Defensive Player of the Year Award, which was won by Pittsburgh Steelers safety Troy Polamalu.[38]

In Peppers first year as a Bear, he helped them make the playoffs for the first time since the 2006 season, and helped the Bears secure a victory over the Seattle Seahawks in the divisional round by a score of 35-24. Peppers and the Bears came within one game of reaching the Super Bowl, but ultimately lost to the Green Bay Packers in the NFC championship game 21-14. Peppers most memorable play of the game was when he hammered Packers Quarterback Aaron Rodgers early in the fourth quarter with a vicious helmet to helmet hit that drew a penalty. But after the hit by Peppers, Rodgers seemed rattled and didn't play well the rest of the game, but ultimately the Packers did enough to secure the victory and move on to the Super Bowl.

"Though Peppers had but eight sacks this year, he had a huge impact on a defense that went from 21st in the league in points allowed in 2009 to fourth this year; from 4.3 yards per rush last year to 3.7 this year; from 29 touchdown passes surrendered last year to 14 this year. He pushes the pocket. He buzzes around the quarterback. He makes other guys -- Israel Idonije, Tommie Harris -- better."

"There's no question the return of Brian Urlacher at the pivot point of the defense has been a significant addition, but Peppers has been the most important reason the Bears have become the Monsters of the Midway again, and that's why he's my defensive player of the year. He's the John Stockton of the Bears defense, the guy who makes everyone around him better."

Peppers improved on his 2010 season in 2011 starting all 16 games and leading the Bears defense with 11 sacks despite facing constant double teams, and also playing much of the season with a sprained MCL in his left knee that he injured in Week 5 against the Detroit Lions.[40] But Peppers was still able to record 33 solo tackles, 4 assisted tackles, 11 sacks, 3 forced fumbles, 2 fumble recoveries, 4 passes defensed, 6 stuffs, and 2 blocked kicks. Peppers was awarded his fourth career NFC Defensive player of the month award for November as he collected 6 tackles, 4 sacks, and 3 pass breakups.[41] In Week 17 facing the Vikings, Peppers was awarded a .5 sack by the league, that he originally split with fellow Bears defensive lineman Matt Toeaina, giving him his 100th career sack making him the twenty eighth player in NFL history to achieve that milestone.[42] For his efforts Peppers was elected to the Pro Bowl which was the seventh of his career.

During the 2012 season, Peppers played with plantar fasciitis,[43] though he was able to record 11.5 sacks on the season, becoming the first Bears player to record ten sacks or more in back-to-back years since Rosevelt Colvin,[44] and the first Bear to record at least 11 sacks in two consecutive seasons since Richard Dent.[45] Peppers also recovered a career-high four fumbles, which tied for the league lead.[46]

In Week 16, in a 28-13 win against the Arizona Cardinals, Peppers recorded 5 tackles, 3 sacks, 1 stuff, 1 forced fumble, and 1 pass defensed making it the ninth time in his career that he had recorded at least three sacks in a game, for his efforts Peppers earned his fifth career NFC Defensive Player of the Week Award. Peppers finished the season with 32 solo tackles, 7 assisted tackles, 11.5 sacks, 1 forced fumble, 4 fumble recoveries, 2 passes defensed, 3 stuffs, and 1 blocked kick. He was named to the 2013 Pro Bowl, his fifth consecutive, and eighth of his career, and was also selected to the NFL's 2012 All-Pro Second Team. Peppers also received the Bears Brian Piccolo Award given annually to the player that best exemplifies the courage, loyalty, teamwork, dedication and sense of humor of the late Bears running back Brian Piccolo.[47]

During the Chicago Bears 2013 training camp, Peppers said after one of the Bears practices that he felt 25 years old, and that he wanted to win the first Deacon Jones Award, which was to be given to the player that lead the league in sacks.[50] In Week 3 of the 2013 NFL season in a game against the Pittsburgh Steelers, Peppers returned a fumble recovery 42 yards for a Bears touchdown with under four minutes remaining in the game to help seal a Bears victory by a score of 40-23. It was the second fumble recovery Peppers had returned for a touchdown in his career, as well as his fourth touchdown scored.[51] In the Bears Week 11 game against the Baltimore Ravens, Peppers recorded a career-high 11 tackles as well as two sacks and two more tackles for loss in helping the Bears defeat the Ravens in overtime by a score of 23-20.[52] Peppers finished the season with 31 solo tackles, 14 assisted tackles, seven sacks,[53] two forced fumbles, one fumble recovery, one interception, three passes defensed, two stuffs, and one defensive touchdown.

On March 11, 2014, Peppers was released by the Chicago Bears after attempts to trade him were unsuccessful.[54]

Peppers signed a three-year deal with the Green Bay Packers on March 15, 2014. The deal was worth $30 million with $8.5 million in first year, and $7.5 million guaranteed,[55][56][57] which was basically a one-year contract, which can easily be extended by the Packers if they feel that Peppers works well with a 3-4 defense, despite having played in a 4-3 defense his whole professional career.

Peppers signed with the Packers because he felt like they have a good chance at winning the Super Bowl and he felt like he could help them accomplish that goal. He also stated that he wanted to play in a versatile defense his entire career, and the Packers run a versatile 3-4 defense under their defensive coordinator Dom Capers.[58][59]Green Bay Packers head coach Mike McCarthy said that Peppers will be used as a hybrid multiple-position player along the defensive front in a position the Packers have labeled "Elephant" and will play linebacker, defensive end, and defensive tackle for them in 2014. [60][61][62] Julius Peppers wore jersey number 56 for the Packers in honor of former great New York Giants outside linebacker, and fellow North Carolina alumnus, Lawrence Taylor.[63]

In Week 3 of the 2014 NFL season, Peppers recorded his first sack as a Green Bay Packer and also recorded his 40th career forced fumble and 15th career fumble recovery on the same play. It happened in a losing effort against the Detroit Lions by a score of 19-7. In Week 5 of the 2014 NFL season Peppers recorded his tenth career interception and raced across the field and down the sideline 49 yards to score the fifth touchdown of his career.

In doing so, Peppers became the first player in NFL history to record at least 100 sacks and 10 interceptions, [64] he also recorded 3 assisted tackles 1 being for a loss of yards, a pass defensed, and a half-sack in helping the Packers defeat the Minnesota Vikings by a score of 42-10. For his efforts against the Vikings, Peppers was named the NFC defensive player of the week for the sixth time in his career, making him along with Chris Doleman the only two players to win the award with three different teams.

Peppers also became the first player since sacks became an official statistic in 1982 to record at least a half-sack and an interception-return touchdown in three different games.[65] Peppers said that he is having the time of his life playing outside linebacker for the Green Bay Packers.[66] In Week 10 Julius Peppers gave an inspiring speech to his teammates before playing his former team the Chicago Bears.[67][68] Peppers recorded 4 tackles, 2 passes defensed, and a sack, forced fumble, and fumble recovery on the same play against Bears quarterback Jay Cutler. The Packers blew out Peppers' former team by a score of 55-14.

In Week 11, Peppers recorded 2 tackles and his 11th career interception which he returned 52 yards for a touchdown, becoming the first player in NFL history to record at least 100 sacks and 4 interception-return touchdowns.[69] It was Peppers sixth career touchdown scored including both interceptions and fumble recoveries returned. The Packers defeated the Philadelphia Eagles 53-20.

Peppers also ranked first among all linebackers and defensive linemen in the NFL with 101 interception return yards.

In the Divisional playoff game against the Dallas Cowboys, Peppers would have a dominant performance by leading the Packers in tackles on the day with 6, sacking Dallas quarterback Tony Romo and forcing a fumble on the third play of the game, then drew a holding penalty, and later forced a fumble of running back DeMarco Murray in the third quarter that the Packers recovered and prevented what looked like a clear run to the end zone for Murray. It was yet another game changing play made by Peppers, who has made plays such as this all throughout his outstanding career, and has been one of the biggest playmakers in NFL history as a game wrecking dominant defensive force, the likes of which the NFL hasn't seen since the days of Lawrence Taylor and Reggie White. The Packers went on to defeat the Cowboys 26-21.[73][74]

The Packers would advance to play the Seattle Seahawks in the NFC Championship Game. Peppers would put on another dominant playoff performance by recording 5 tackles, 1.5 sacks, 3 quarterback hits, and put lots of pressure on Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson throughout the game, but ultimately the Packers would fall short in overtime by a score of 28-22.[75]

Peppers started his fourteenth NFL season off with a bang against his former team, the Chicago Bears. Peppers recorded 6 tackles and 1.5 sacks on the day and in doing so passed former Kansas City Chiefs great Derrick Thomas for fifteenth most sacks in NFL history, as well as helping the Packers defeat the Bears by a score of 31-23.

In Week 15 against the Oakland Raiders, Peppers recorded 4 tackles and 2.5 sacks which moved him past fellow North Carolina alumni and former New York Giants legendary linebacker Lawrence Taylor into tenth place on the all-time NFL sacks list, giving him 135 career sacks. The Packers beat the Raiders by a score of 30-20.

Peppers finished the season with 25 solo tackles, 12 assisted tackles, 10.5 sacks, and 2 stuffs. He was also selected to his ninth career Pro Bowl.

Peppers helped the Packers reach the playoffs and win their wild card round playoff game against the Washington Redskins by a score of 35-18, he had several QB pressures and 2 tackles in the game. In the next round against the Arizona Cardinals, Peppers would record several more QB pressures and a sack, but the Packers would go on to lose the game in overtime 26-20.

Before the season started, the top three living NFL sack leaders of all time, Bruce Smith, Kevin Greene, and Chris Doleman all said that Julius Peppers should be a Hall of Famer once he retires.[76]

In Week 13 on a snowy day in Green Bay Wisconsin, Julius Frazier Peppers made history against the Houston Texans when he lined up at Defensive Tackle across from Texans Right Guard Jeff Allen, Peppers used his hump move that he learned by watching film of former great Defensive End Reggie White, on Allen to record his 142.5 sack on Texans QB Brock Osweiler, and moved into the top five on the NFL's all-time sack list, passing former New York Giants Hall of Fame Defensive End Michael Strahan for fifth place. Peppers finished the game with 5 tackles and 1 sack in helping the Packers defeat the Texans by a score of 21-13. Peppers, who is considered one of the greatest defensive players in NFL history, made his case stronger to be a first ballot Hall of Famer after his retirement. In Week 15 against Peppers former team the Chicago Bears, he recorded 4 tackles and had a sack, forced fumble, and fumble recovery on the first play of the second half to help the Packers get momentum en route to a Packers win by a score of 30-27.

In the NFC wild card playoff round against the New York Giants, Peppers had a very disruptive game for the Packers, sacking Giants quarterback Eli Manning in the first half on a third down play to force a Giants punt. Peppers also ended two other Giants drives on third down when he batted a pass that was nearly intercepted and on a later play by hitting Eli Manning just as he released the pass causing an incompletion. Peppers finished the game with 3 tackles, 1 sack, 2 quarterback hits, and 2 passes defended helping the Packers beat the Giants by a score of 38-13 and advance to the divisional playoff round against the Dallas Cowboys. Peppers helped the Packers beat the Cowboys the following week 34 to 31, but the Packers lost a week later to the Atlanta Falcons in the NFC championship game 44 to 21.

On March 10, 2017, Peppers signed a one-year contract to return to the Carolina Panthers.[77][78] Peppers stated that while he was away from his home state of North Carolina and his home state team, and team that drafted him, the Carolina Panthers, he realized how much he missed the place saying "home is where the heart is." He also said he always wanted to return to the Panthers and repair the relationships with the team and fans and give them another chance to see him wear the Panthers uniform once again. Peppers was given the jersey #90, which was the same number he wore for the first eight years of his career while playing for the Carolina Panthers.[79]

In week 1 of the 2017 NFL season, and Peppers first game back as a member of the Panthers, Peppers recorded a half sack and 2 QB hits in helping the Panthers beat the 49ers by a score of 23-3. In week 2 and in Peppers homecoming game in Charlotte, North Carolina at Bank of America Stadium, Peppers would be the last player to be introduced to the crowd as he came out of the tunnel to a huge standing ovation, excited to be back playing for his home state team, and team that drafted him with the second pick in the 2002 NFL draft. It had been nearly eight years since the Panthers legend had suited up for his home state team in Charlotte, and he was ready to put on a show for the home crowd, and the 37 year old future Hall of Famer did just that, having a masterful performance by recording 6 tackles and 2 sacks in helping to shut down the Buffalo Bills running game, and helping to harass Bills QB Tyrod Taylor all game long. It was a special day for North Carolina's prodigal son as he helped the Panthers defeat the Bills by a score of 9-3. After the game Peppers would go on to say that this defense is the best he's ever been a part of.[80]

In week 4, Peppers helped the Panthers defeat the New England Patriots 33-30. Peppers had another dominant performance recording 4 tackles, 2 sacks, 3 QB hits, and nearly had another sack and forced fumble right before halftime as he helped to disrupt Patriots quarterback Tom Brady, (who suffered an ac joint sprain in his left shoulder on one of Peppers sacks, but was able to finish the game) and the New England offense throughout the game, despite playing through a right shoulder injury of his own that he had in a brace. Peppers spent so much time in the Patriots backfield it was as if he had been invited. For his efforts, Peppers was named the NFC Defensive Player of The Week for the seventh time in his storied career.[81] In week 5, Peppers would have an impact yet again as he recorded a sack of Lions QB Matthew Stafford and also had a big 4th down tackle for a 4 yard loss which resulted in a turnover for the Lions. The Panthers would defeat the Lions by a score of 27-24. In week 6, Peppers recorded his 150th career sack, making him the fifth player in NFL history to achieve that milestone. He also forced a fumble on the same play, which gave him 48 career forced fumbles and tied him for second most all time with former Defensive End John Abraham. The Panthers lost the game to the Eagles by a score of 23-28. In week 8 against Tampa Bay, Peppers recorded sack number 151 which moved him past Chris Doleman for fourth most sacks all-time. Peppers also recorded his 49th career forced fumble on the same play, which moved him into sole possession of second place on the all-time forced fumble list. The sack Peppers recorded gave him 7.5 sacks for the season, and tied him with Bruce Smith for most seasons with at least 7 sacks with 15. The Panthers defeated the Bucs 17-3.

In February 2009, Peppers donated $500,000 to a scholarship program that supports black students at his alma mater of North Carolina. Peppers's donation will go to the Light on the Hill Society Scholarship, a tribute to UNC's earliest black graduates. The scholarship helps alumni and friends support black freshmen who show the potential for academic excellence at UNC and after they graduate.[82]

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